Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Tanning lamp arrangement
TECHNICAL FIELD
The subject of the invention is a tanning lamp arrangement, especially for
tanning of
the skin of the human body, having at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source
emitting
UV light with an appropriate intensity also in the UV-A and/or UV-B spectral
ranges,
and having optical elements reflecting the light of the light source(s) placed
upon the
side of the human body, opponent to the light source(s).
BACKGROUND ART
Arc light is considered to be one of our oldest artificial light sources,
extensive,
widespread use and known in the technical field. In 1849, it has already been
discovered by Foucault that its spectrum is similar to our major natural light
source,
the Sun.
In accordance with a definition in the New Hungarian Encyclopedia, arc light
is a light
emitting electrical arc evolving between carbon rods or metal rods, supplied
by
electric current, contacted to each other, and then pulled apart. The arc
light lamps
are special light sources, still in use today, but rarely. The oldest type of
them was
functioning with carbon electrodes, its very intensive light made it suitable
for them
being applied in projectors, in stage illumination, too. Nevertheless, lot of
difficulties
have arisen in connection with the use of arc light, since its stability
(steadyness of
the plasma arc) was hard to secure, since the electrode tips made from
graphite had
been oxidized and consumed by burning, and therefore a continuous adjustment
was
necessary. (There is a process of oxidation and electrode loss in case of
metal rods
too, although to a less extent.) As a consequence of all these, a change came
to the
gas-filled discharge lamps, containing also a lighting plasma arc, and the use
of the
traditional arc light lamps has gradually been driven back, limited to the
fields of
application mentioned; these lamps, so to say, õwent out of fashion".
The ultraviolet (UV) light is an electromagnetic radiation of shorter
wawelengths then
the visible light. Normally it is divided according to wawelength as the UV-A
(315-400
nm), the UV-B (315-400 nm), and the UV-C (100-280 nm) spectral ranges.
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Considering their physiological effects, the UV-C and UV-B radiations imply
serious
and direct danger to the metabolism and functioning of epithelial tissue cells
of the
skin, occasionally giving rise to malignant and irreversible changes in them.
By using UV-A radiation, however - apart from the genetically determined
sensitivity
among some human types, or from individual hypersensitivities - these above
mentioned harmful effects, were not observed to that extent, but pursuant to
experiences -depending upon pigmentation of the skin - a uniform tanning, a
gradual
development of the desired skin colour can be achieved by means of the effect
of this
irradiation.
During the past two decades, scientific research has revealed that the ozone
layer
protecting the Earth surface from the harmful UV-irradiation has become thin
and
tapered off (so-called ozone layer hole). As a consequence, malignant skin
lesions,
skin deseases are more frequently occurring, and especially there where
sunbathing
outdoors used to be very popular, as, for example, in Australia. The dramatic
surge in
the melanoma (pigmented skin tumor) cases and its spread - taking into account
the
bad prognosis, the generally fatal outcome of this malady - has shocked the
public
and alarmed dermatologists. Since the research has determined the relation
between
the two phenomena, the sunbathing significantly declined. On the other hand,
as the
civilization needs are growing, people - especially the ladies = do not want
to give up
their advantageous, suntanned looking. It can be the explanation to the ever
growing
popularity of the solarium treatments in our days.
There is an enormous demand for reliable solarcosmetic services that people
could
make use of controlled conditions, minimizing the health risks, instead of
sunbathing
outdoors that becomes more and more dangerous.
A number of various light sources have been tried out and applied so far for
these
purposes, for example, fluorescent light tubes, more recently lasers, and
several gas-
filled discharge lamps, or discharge lamps with mercury vapor filling, while
the latter
resemble most to arc light lamps, regarding their operation principle.
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According to the Hungarian patent HU 221 825, titled õDischarge lamp emitting
UV
radiation, namely solarium lamp" purpose of that invention is to provide
discharge
lamps, especially solarium lamps that produces high UV-A emission.
(Apparently, the
reason for it is the view widely held in phototherapy as well as in
solarcosmetics,
based on observations, that the uniform suntanning of the skin, without
harmful side
effects is mainly to be attributed to the part of the UV spectrum belonging to
the UV-A
range). The patent specification states,,The radiation produced by the
electric
discharge in solarium lamps will be transformed with the participation of a
phosphor
to UV-A radiation capable of bronzing the skin." Accordingly the task of the
invention
will be solved by a phosphor - of improved properties - in this case. Working
of the
lamp is based on photoluminescence; the spectrum (spectral distribution) of
the light
emitted by the phosphor is totally different from the exciting UV light.
The Hungarian patent HU 224 941, titled ,Phototherapy apparatus", describes an
application of UV light beam, also using mercury discharge lamp as the light
source;
concave mirror reflecting part of the UV light beam, further condenser lens
focusing
the UV light beam, moreover an optical filter and the adjoining light
transmitting
system are parts forming the sophisticated device, the therapeutic application
of
which has however an enormously wide scale. An essential feature of the
invention is
the application of precisely dosed (exposure time, light intensity) UV light
beams,
concentrated to the given body parts, according to the illness to be cured.
As it is stated in the Hungarian patent application, P0402200, (Solarium
equipped
with light conductor) the application of a high power UV/A light source is
expedient
instead of the tubes recently in widespread use.
From the disclosure of the patent specification DE 39 27 301 a setup of an
irradiation
device can be learned about having a light source emitting UV-A and UV-B
light, a
two-piece light reflecting element (reflector), where the one light reflecting
surface
has absorbing, reflecting, or transmitting properties regarding UV-B, and the
other is
designed to have absorbing, reflecting, or transmitting properties regarding
UV-A,
and the two surfaces can be moved relative to each other. By changing the
relative
positions of the two surfaces, the UV-A / UV-B ratio in the emitted lamp light
can be
altered. A drawback of the known lamps is that by using one light source they
are
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capable to irradiate only from one side, in a concentrated manner, but in case
of
application of several or a great number of light sources the energy
consumption of
the apparatus will be extremely high.
It is the purpose of the present invention to grant a tanning lamp arrangement
which
by applying a small number of light sources, under low acquisition and
maintenance
costs provides an uniform irradiation of bodies of different size, with a
light having a
spectrum similar to sunshine, whereas the harmful irradiation components can
be
filtered off and/or absorbed.
Surprisingly we have found that a person, not exposed to the direct effect of
UV light,
staying in a room with lime-washed walls, in the neighborhood of one single UV
light
source (low-, medium- or high-pressure gas-filled discharge lamp operating
with arc
light) on those regions of the body (nape, shoulder) where the light reflected
from the
walls reached him, has uniformly been tanned following a few number of
,,expositions". The even tanning effect of the diffuse UV light reflected from
the wall in
0 this setup was then consequently tried out on test persons, who as having
different
skin types, showed different sensitivities against sunburn, in accordance with
the aim
of the scheduled practical application.
From this we have arrived at the conclusion, that the UV light - by inserting
in its way
(reflecting, absorbing, filtrating) optical elements of appropriate surface
that are able
to weaken the high power radiation coming from the UV light source by
scattering
and absorption, capable of filtrating off the harmful rays from it - may also
be suitable
to solar-cosmetic or phototerapeutic purposes. It is important that no harmful
radiation (e.g. UV-C) should reach the person treated, and that the indirect
light of
modified wawelength and intensity could exert its proper effect, respectively.
If we still possess reflectors of suitable material, mirrors reflecting UV
light, then it is
possible to concentrate the light of modified wawelength and intensity onto
body
parts of the individual person to be treated providing there a proper light
flux to
phototherapy.
The most general solution of the task set out by the invention is the
following:
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The tanning lamp arrangement according to the invention has at least one light
source arranged for the exposure of one side of the body, placed along a
particular
line, essentially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the body, and further
the light
reflecting optical elements are designed as a first light reflecting surface
producing an
uniformly scattered light for the exposure of the body. In order to expose the
whole
body surface, the body may rotate, or can be lightened from multiple side,
simultaneously. In case of such an arrangement the body exposed to light is
placed
into a space that is "saturated" with scattered diffuse light. Contrary to
prior art, the
first light reflecting surface does not enclose the room around the light
source only,
but being rather spacious, in addition to the light source it surrounds the
exposed
body, too, so that the latter also can take up room in the space limited by
the light
reflecting surface. By the proper choice of the geometry of the light
reflecting surface
the light of a single source or that of a small number of light sources can
efficiently be
directed towards the body exposed, or may effectively be converted to diffuse
light,
filling up entirely the room around the body exposed.
In the most simple case the first light reflecting surface is a surface being
provided by
a carrier layer, for example, a coat of plaster, or a surface coated with a
priming, that
is covered by a top-layer, for example, by a lime-washed coating or by an
other paint
layer.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the first light
reflecting surface
is forming, at least partially, an elliptic surface, where the light source(s)
is(are)
essentially placed into a focal point of the elliptic. Such an arrangement
will provide
the utilization of the concentrated light emerging from the light source(s),
as rays
emerging from the light source placed into one focal point, will meet each
other in the
other focal point.
In case when the UV light source is emitting radiation in a spectral range, a
part of
which is harmful, or is not wanted to be used, it would be expedient if there
is a
radiation decreasing surface placed between the UV light source and the
exposed
body, which, for example, may be a shielding surface or a light filter. By
such an
arrangement it can be prevented a direct access of the light from the light
source to
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the exposed body from happening, and thus the body will be exposed only to a
light
of properly modified spectral characteristics.
In the tanning lamp arrangement according to the invention the radiation
reducing
surface placed between the UV light source and the exposed body is, for
example, a
light filtering insertion, which covers the space between the light reflecting
surfaces
fully, if needed. In an other execution example the radiation reducing surface
placed
between the UV light source and the exposed body, is a shielding surface,
which fully
screens the direct radiation emerging from the light source.
In an other possible embodiment of the invention the radiation reducing
surface
placed between the light source(s) and the exposed body as a mirror-like
second
light reflecting surface, which covers optionally only a part of the room
inside the. first
light reflecting surface. The mirror is preferably a flat, a convex, or a
concave mirror
of metal surface, for instance, a mirror of aluminium surface. In case of more
than
one light source, an arrangement may also be expedient, where each light
source
has an own reflector of convex or concave surface. In this case a light filter
may be
placed between the second light reflecting surface and the first light
reflecting
surface. By applying the light filter the spectrum of the light emitted from
the light
source can be modified according to requirements.
An other buildup may also be preferable, where that part of the first light
reflecting
surface which is covered by the second light reflecting surface is formed as a
light
reflecting mirror surface. Such an arrangement improves the utilization of
light of the
light sources.
In the tanning lamp arrangement according to the invention the first light
reflecting
surface is formed as an uniformly reflecting surface throughout the entire
emission
spectrum of the UV light source. In this case spectrum of the illuminating
light may
be regulated by the appropriate choice of the UV light source. As light
source,
discharge lamps of low, medium and high pressure can be taken into
consideration,
which have powerful enough emission also in the UV-A and UV-B spectral ranges.
In the tanning lamp arrangement according to the invention the first light
reflecting
wall suitably has a carrier surface, a binding material layer, and an UV light
reflecting
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material embedded in the binding material layer or applied on its surface. As
a carrier
surface will suit any surface of a material that has appropriate solidity,
stiffness and
form stability. Such material can be for example a brick wall, a plasterboard
wall, or a
wall based on metal, wood, paper, glass or plastic, or any combination
thereof.
According to another possible embodiment, the first light reflecting surface
consists
of two bordering surfaces, and a material reflecting light in the UV region,
arranged
between the bordering surfaces, where the inner surface is transmitting or
filtrating
light in the UV region. These surfaces may be build up also from long and
narrow
cells that are fixed to each other.
The UV light reflecting material embedded in the binding material layer, or
applied on
it, or placed between the surfaces, or in the cells, exhibits a high reflexion
factor,
optionally a high refractive index, and a minimum light absorbance in the UV
range,
contains, for example, at least one material selected from the group of AI203,
CaO,
Si02, MgO, Zr02, Ta205, Ti02, MgCO3, CaCO3. The light reflexion and the light
absorbance spectra of the given materials are essentially uniform in the
visible and in
the UV spectral ranges.
It also proved to be advantageous if the particle size of the light reflecting
material is
smaller than the wawelength of the light to be reflected. In case of UV light
this value
can be less than 400 nm. In the UV region, this particle size range ensures
the
highest light reflective index, which results in enhanced utilization of
light.
Another favourable embodiment may be, where the wall forming the first light
reflecting surface is made of metal, for example of aluminium, which contains
lamellas scattering light in every direction. According to another possible
embodiment
on the surface of one side of the elliptic wall that forms the first light
reflecting
surface, a light reflecting metal layer is developed. Such a wall surface may
be made
for example from an UV translucent plastic, while the metal layer can be for
example
an aluminium layer made by evaporization. In order to achieve a diffuse
reflexion of
light the surface of the translucent plastic, opposite to the metal layer, can
be made
rough by sand-blasting.
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In the tanning lamp arrangement according to the invention the first light
reflecting
surface may also be designed so that it would exhibit enhanced reflective
properties
against the UV-A and/or UV-B spectral ranges. To achieve this, the surface may
contain, for example, a phosphor compound as a light reflective material
radiating
light within the UV-A and/or UV-B ranges.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Favourable solutions according to the invention are disclosed by making use of
the
figures. The particular embodiments, the different variations shown here,
serve only
aiming at to illustrate the invention but it is not limiting its scope any
way, whatsoever.
FIG. 1 shows a top-view outline of the full-size tanning lamp arrangement
according
to the first example of the invention, the
FIG. 2 shows a top-view outline of the full-size tanning lamp arrangement
according
to the second example of the invention, the
FIG. 3 shows a top-view outline of the full-size tanning lamp arrangement
according
to the third example of the invention, the
FIG. 4 shows a top-view outline of the half-size tanning lamp arrangement
according
to the fourth example of the invention, the
FIG. 5 shows a top-view outline of the reduced size tanning lamp arrangement
according to the fifth example of the invention, the
FIG. 6 shows a top-view outline of the first version of the first light
reflecting surface
applied in the tanning lamp arrangement according to the invention, the
FIG. 7 shows a top-view outline of the second version of the first light
reflecting
surface applied in the tanning lamp arrangement according to the invention,
the
FIG. 8 shows a top-view outline of the third version of the first light
reflecting surface
applied in the tanning lamp arrangement according to the invention, the
FIG. 9 shows a top-view outline of the fourth version of the first light
reflecting surface
applied in the tanning lamp arrangement according to the invention, the
FIG. 10 shows a front-view outline of a version of the light source applied in
the
tanning lamp arrangement according to the invention.
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Disclosure of examples of preferred embodiments of the invention
In case of the tanning lamp arrangement seen on Figures 1 and 2, there are two
UV
light sources placed into a space limited by a 1 light reflecting surface,
where the 2
light source is a light source emitting radiation of suitable power also in
the UV-A and
UV-B spectral ranges. At the example shown on the Figure drawing the 6 exposed
body is placed also in the space limited by the 1 light reflecting surface.
The 1 first light reflecting surface is formed as being a light reflecting
surface that
produces diffuse light illuminating the space around the exposed body, evenly.
In the
most simple case the first light reflecting surface is a plastered wall
surface, on which
there is optionally a lime-washed covering layer or a layer containing an
other
material reflecting light in the UV range. In the example showed herein the
first light
reflecting surface is basically an inner mantle of an elliptic-based cylinder,
where the
light sources are placed actually in one or the other focal points of the
ellipse. In such
an arrangement lighting with an uniform diffuse light is achieveable in the
whole room
limited by the first light reflecting surface, by using a minimum number of
light
sources of suitable power. In a tanning lamp arrangement according to the
invention
there is at least one light source, placed along a particular line,
essentially parallel
with the vertical axis of the body, arranged for the exposure of one side of
the body.
In order to expose the whole body surface, the body may rotate, or can be
illuminated from multiple side, simultaneously.
In between the light sources and the exposed body there is a 3 cabin of
essentially
cylindrical shape, which serves as a recipient room for the exposed body, and
provides a suitable distance from the light sources to the exposed body. The
wall of
the 3 cabin is fully transparent, that is translucent in the visible and UV
spectral
ranges, or fully absorbent, or selectively absorbent in given spectral ranges,
thus of
having a light filtering effect. When a transparent wall cabin is applied the
spectrum
of the light irradiating the exposed object can be secured by the appropriate
choice of
the light source. By using a cabin wall of light filtrating effect any
spectral range can
be filtered off, or be absorbed from the spectrum of the light source. Since
the
solarium 3 cabin is of the same distance from both light sources, it provides
an
irradiation of the same intensity, therefore the same tanning or
phototherapeutic
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effect from both directions. To provide access to the solarium room there are
4, 5
doors on the 3 cabin, and on the 1 wall possessing the first light reflecting
surface,
respectively. In case of the example shown, both 4, 5 doors are opening
outwards,
other solutions are however imaginable, too, where both 4, 5 doors are opening
inwards, or the one 4 door opens outwards, whereas the other 5 door opens
inwards.
In case of the example shown on Figure 1 both the 4, 5 doors are of bent
surface and
thus fitting to the elliptic outer wall, as well as to the cylindrical inner
wall.
On Fligure 2, in place of the cabin, there are 8 room partitioning walls put
on that can
equally be fully transparent, or of uniformly light absorbing, or of
selectively light
absorbing, i.e. of light filtering effect. In case of a transparent 8 room
partitioning wall
the spectrum of the irradiating light can properly be secured via appropriate
selection
of the 2 light source. By a partition wall of a light filtrating effect,
optional UV ranges
can be filtered off, or absorbed from the UV spectrum of the 2 light source.
The space inside the 1 light reflecting surface is fully enclosed by the 8
room
partitioning walls. In this arrangement it is only one 4 door required on the
outer
elliptic wall. In case of the example seen on the drawing, the 4 door is flat
and opens
outward, but it may equally be a door opening inward, too. Moreover each door
may
also be designed as a sliding door, which is especially preferred for its room
saving
feature. The path of the light emerging from the 2 light source, and passing
forth after
having been reflected from the light reflecting wall is marked with 7 dotted
line. As it
is clearly seen on Figures 1 and 2, the light beams coming from the 2 light
source(s)
placed into the focal point of the elliptic, reflecting fom the wall, are
meeting each
other inside thel light reflecting surface, in the other focal point. The
light reflecting
surface is designed so that the reflected light yields a diffuse irradiation,
which makes
the irradiation even more uniform and homogeneous. Dimensions of the elliptic
base-
board are determined by the major axis and the minor axis of the elliptic. For
buildup
of a standing type solarium, diameter of the cabin is possible to be varied
between
60-80 cm, while the minor axis of the elliptic is possible to be varied
between 90-150
cm, and the major axis of the elliptic is possible to be varied between 100-
300 cm.
On the Figures 3 and 4, a tanning lamp arrangement is seen, where the 1 light
reflecting surface gives a cylindrical surface the base of which is actually
an elliptic
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piece cut, in the case in question, a half elliptic. The setup so designed
requires only
half space, and therefore it fits well into smaller rooms too. Since at such
arrangements the 2 light source can be placed only to one side, the exposed
object
or body should be turned around, or be rotated during the irradiation. In case
of these
execution examples the 2 light source is placed essentially the same way in
the focal
point of the 1 light reflecting surface, and formation of the surface is also
corresponding to that demonstrated in Figures 1 and 2. On Figure 3, similarly
to
Figure 2, there is a transparent or light-absorbing room partitioning wall
placed in
between the 2 light source and the exposed body. In case of a transparent 8
room
partitioning wall the spectrum of the light irradiating the object may
properly be
ensured via the suitable selection of the 2 light source. By using a partition
wall of
light filtrating effect, UV regions can optionally be filtered off, or
absorbed from the
UV spectrum of the 2 light source. A filter like this has radiation reducing
effect, so
the energy of the light sources is absorbed to different extent, depending on
the
wawelength of the light.
Therefore, it can be secured that the intensity of rays having damaging effect
harmful
e.g. to the human skin, be minimal. When a phototherapy treatment is aimed at,
by
choosing a filter of appropriate characteristics the desired therapeutic
effects may be
achieved. In case of this example the suntanning room is delimited also by the
separation wall of light filtrating effect, on the side from the direction of
the lamp. On
the other sides, the lateral walls of the suntanning room are
delimited/bordered by
the elliptical 1 light reflecting surface and by a flat wall, on which also a
4 door is
placed enabling to enter or leave, therethrough. Although according to the
examples
shown, the 4 door opens inwards, but a door opening outwards may equally be
appropriate. In the example shown on Figure 4, there is a 9 shielding surface,
placed
between the 2 light source and the exposed body, having a radiation reducing
effect,
in addition supporting the 2 light source, which entirely prevents the direct
light from
getting across to the direction of the exposed body. The 9 shielding surface
is
covering only a part of the room inside the I first light reflecting surface.
It is also
possible that a 8' filter be placed between the 9 shielding surface and the 1
first light
reflecting surface, if needed. The radiation reducing surface placed between
the 2
light source and the exposed body, may be a mirror-like second light
reflecting
surface, too, which would increase the light utilization of the light sources.
In order to
step up further the light utilization, that part of the 1 first light
reflecting surface, which
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is covered by the 9 shielding surface, may also be designed as a 11 mirror-
like light
reflecting surface.
On the Figure 5 an additional option is seen for reducing the room
requirement. In
this example the elliptical 1 light reflecting wall, according to Figure 2,
has been cut
through in the middle, and the open endings of the wall have been shortened
inasmuch as it was marked by the dotted lines. By fitting together the
remaining parts
such light reflecting elliptical surface pieces have been obtained, at which
the two
focal points are coming nearer to each other, and the length of the elliptic
floorspace
has been shortened substantially, while its width has only changed to a small
extent,
becoming smaller. According to this solution, as compared to the execution
example
pursuant to Figure 2, the size of the room for suntanning remained essentially
the
same, whereas the full length of the tanning lamp arrangement has become
substantially smaller. The buildup of the 1 light reflecting surface, the
placing of the 8
shielding or light filtrating surfaces is to be applied according to any of
the variants
demonstrated on Figures 1 to 4. There is no door displayed on Figure 5, it can
however be built in according to a variation pursuant to Figures 1 or 2. The
execution
examples shown above are equally fitting to design a standing as well as a
lying
version of the solarium setup. In case of a lying version it is expedient to
carry on
with the buildup of the solution according to Figure 5 so, that one from among
the two
21, 22 elliptical parts would form a fixed 22 lower part, while the other one
forms a 21
upper part that can be turned away or opened up, relative to the fixed part.
The 2
light sources are placed here again in the focal points of the elliptic parts.
There is a
possibility, even in case of the lying version, to apply only one elliptic
light reflecting
surface, where the upper part that can be opened up forms an elliptic light
reflecting
surface, while the fixed lower part is a flat surface, providing a surface to
lie down to
for the person to be treated. Similarly, an other setup is conceivable, where
the fixed
lower part forms the elliptic light reflecting surface. In such a case the
person to be
treated is lying on a plain surface that is translucent or of light filtering
effect in the UV
region.
Figure 6 shows a part of the first light reflecting surface of the tanning
lamp
arrangement according to the invention. In case of the buildup shown on the
drawing,
the first light reflecting surface has a 1 a carrier surface, a 1 b binding
material layer,
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and a material reflecting light in the UV range, that is embedded in the
binding
material layer or applied on its surface. Provided a 2 light source of
appropriately
chosen spectrum and/or filters are applied, the first light reflecting surface
may be
designed so that it would function as an uniformly reflecting surface
throughout the
entire irradiation spectrum of the UV light source. To obtain such a surface,
the light
reflecting material would have a high reflexion factor, possess optionally a
high
refractive index, and a minimal light absorption in the UV range, that
contains at least
one material selected for example from the group of AI203, CaO, Si02, MgO,
Zr02,
Ta205, Ti02, MgCO3, CaCO3 (carbonates), in an optional mixing ratio. In order
to
achieve a maximal light scattering effect, it is worth choosing the particle
size of the
light reflecting material to be less than the wawelength of the light to be
reflected, for
instance, to less than 400 nm. According to an other possible version, the
first light
reflecting surface is formed as a surface of enhanced reflectivity in the UV-A
and/or
UV-B spectral regions towards the radiation emitted by the UV light source. To
provide this the light reflecting surface contains a phosphor compound as a
light
reflecting material emitting radiation, for example, in the UV-A and/or UV-B
spectral
regions.
Figures 7 to 9 are presenting such variations of embodiment of the first light
reflecting
surface, where the light reflecting material is arranged in between two 13, 14
bordering surfaces, and where the 13 inner surface is transmitting light in
the UV
range, or possessing a light filtrating effect, if needed. Similarly to the
example shown
on Figure 6, the light reflecting material arranged between the bordering
walls has a
high reflexion factor in the UV range, possess optionally a high refractive
index and a
minimal light absorption, which contains at least one material selected for
example
from the group of AI203, CaO, Si02, MgO, Zr02, Ta205, Ti02, MgCO3, CaCO3.
In case of several components their ratio is optional. In order to achieve
maximal light
scattering effect, it is worthwile to select a particle size of the light
reflecting material
to be less than the wawelength of the light to be reflected, for instance, to
less than
400 nm. In accordance with an other possible version, the first light
reflecting surface
is formed as a surface of enhanced reflectivity in the UV-A and/or UV-B
spectral
ranges towards the radiation emitted by the UV light source. To provide this
the light
reflecting surface contains a phosphor compound as a light reflecting material
emitting radiation within the UV-A and/or UV-B spectral ranges.
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14
In the example presented by Figure 7, the elliptical light reflecting wall is
divided to 15
wall elements of essentially the same width, which are determining space parts
delimited by walls. From among the bordering walls the inner 13 bordering wall
is
made of a plastic having light transmitting or light filtrating properties in
the UV
region, the other walls are of light transmitting properties to preference,
thus can also
be of a material not transmitting light. The parts of the wall are fixed to
each other by
separable or unseparable bonds, optionally. As a separable bond, can for
example,
fastening with screws, while as an unseparable bond, may for example, riveting
or
sticking be applied for. Such an arrangement increases the stiffness and the
form
keeping of the light reflecting wall elements, and prevents the light
reflecting material
placed in between the bordering surfaces from bulging out the bordering
surfaces to
an appreciable extent, and thus deforming the elliptic wall geometry.
On Figure 8 a further variant of the setup according to Figure 7 is seen,
where some
15 wall elements of the elliptic light reflecting wall fit together by special
surfaces. To
facilitate an exact fitting, the abutting surfaces may form for example
wedges. The
special fitting surfaces may be identical, but they can also be different,
according to
the execution example shown on the drawing. In the case presented here the
central
wall possess symmetric fitting surfaces, while the other walls have asymmetric
ones.
With a setup like this determining of the position of the particular wall
elements by
encoded fitting parts can easily be ensured what substantially simplifies
assembling,
and precludes the possibility of interchange during assembly.
On Figure 9 a further embodiment of the light reflecting wall is seen
according again
to Figure 7. In this version the 15 wall elements have rectangular cross-
sections and
are totally identical, consequently any of these wall elements can be placed
anywhere along the elliptic light reflecting wall. In this case the elliptic
form is assured
by an elliptic 16 supporting wall or by a line of stiffening ribs, being in a
plane
essentially perpendicular to the wall, which the particular wall elements are
fixed to.
The 15 wall elements can be so long that they cover the light reflecting wall
entirely,
but they may also be shorter, whereas several wall elements are connected to
each
other lengthwise in order to cover the full length. The longitudinal fitting
does not
appear on the top-view drawing. Such a buildup will simplify both the
manufacturing
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of the wall elements, and their assembly, substantially. In case of not too
wide (e.g.
of 5-10 cm length) wall elements, the elliptical surface can be established by
suitable
accuracy and good approximation, in accordance with the invention.
In case of not too wide (e.g. of 5-10 cm length) wall elements, the elliptical
surface
can be formed by an appropriate accuracy and with good approximation,
according
to the invention.
In order to provide an uniform illumination the 2 light source actually placed
in the
focal point of the elliptic I light reflecting wall can be a single, long,
tubular light
source (for instance a medium-pressure discharge lamp) or a composite light
source
combined from several smaller size light sources, where the particular light
sources
are distributed along a common axis. The light source(s) is (are) fixed on
such a
framework, which at the same time is also serving as a 9 shielding surface. In
addition, an other framework is conceivable too, which is fixed to the 1 light
reflecting
surface. The shielding surface may be flat (Figure 9), convex (Figure 7), or
concave
(Figure 8). When applying several light sources, in the own spectral range of
the
particular light source, there can be a concave or convex reflector surface,
directing
the light of the given source, focused or diffusely, to the first light
reflecting surface.
Figure 10 shows a possible arrangement of the light sources. In case of the
example
seen on the Figure, a front-view of the light source, placed into one focal
point of the
elliptic light reflecting wall, can be seen, which in itself constitutes a
composite light
source assembled from a number of primary 2 light sources. In case of the
executive
example shown on the Figure the light sources are high-pressure discharge
lamps,
the optical centers of which are aligned essentially in a straight line, while
the latter is
in the top-view positioned actually in the focal point of the elliptic light
reflecting
surface (Figures 7 to 9). In the execution example shown here, the
longitudinal axis
of the particular 2 light sources is essentially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of
the 9 framework. Applying standing type solariums and high-pressure discharge
lamps, this setup is advantageous, since in case of using high-pressure
discharge
lamps the manufacturer recommends a horizontal building in. In case of lying
type
solariums there is also an option already, that the longitudinal axis of the
particular
light sources be essentially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the 9
framework.
Applying standing type solariums and high-pressure discharge lamps, this setup
is
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16
advantageous, because in the case of using high-pressure discharge lamps the
manufacturer recommends a horizontal building in. In case of lying type
solariums
there is also an option already that the longitudinal axis of the particular
light sources
be essentially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the 9 framework. The row
of lamps
seen on the Figure may extend to the whole size of height of the first light
reflecting
surface, but it is also possible that, by applying fewer lamps, only a part
thereof is
taken up. In the case of applying a lamp or lamp row being shorter than the
height of
the first light reflecting wall, by using an appropriate machinery, care must
be taken
about the moving of the lamp or the row of lamps in vertical direction. In
order to
achieve an uniform illumination it may be expedient to accomplish moving with
a
varying speed, whereas its speed is greater in the middle range, while in the
side
ranges (namely above and under) it is less.
Another favourable embodiment may be established when the first light
reflecting
surface is made of a metal, for example of aluminium, which contains lamellas
scattering light in every directions.
The invention has been disclosed based on the exemplary embodiments
represented
by the drawings, it does not mean however that the invention were restricted
to any
of the execution examples. It is obvious for an expert that a number of
modifications,
improvements and combinations of the exemplary embodiments demonstrated here
is conceivable within the scope of protection of the invention, which is
determined by
the claims presented hereinbelow.
